Barry Hilton in the World Cup of funny

Comedian Barry Hilton is due to perform in London later this year as part of Bafunny Bafunny — a feast of South African stand-up comedy at the Royal Albert hall. TALI BARNETT quizzed him on the show, the soccer and the Father of the Nation...

This show must be a huge honour for you. How do you feel about performing at the Albert Hall? With my act any show is an honour. As for performing at the Albert Hall, Billy Connolly warmed up for me about three years ago. Haha. To perform at the Albert Hall is just the business!

How will you be presenting the World Cup to British fans? Hopefully the world cup will be presented to South Africa when we win.

What do you really think about the 2010 World Cup in South Africa? I think it will show that South Africa can host any world class event and it’s about time we saw the positive side.

Will your show in South Africa be different to the one in the UK? How? Yes, it will be held two hours earlier. It will be changed as needed.

Lately we have been hearing about stab-proof vests and the attack on the Toga team affecting the World Cup. How will you be presenting security issue in the show? In South Africa we are not fussy when we kill.

Do you think a show like this encourages people to stay in the UK and watch from afar, as opposed to coming to South Africa and getting involved in the reality of the World Cup? It all depends on money, so if they come back to South Africa they will have 13 times the fun.

What do you think about Bafana Bafana? You have to tell them twice.

What is your opinion on Saffa expats in London? They can come home now. The tax amnesty is in force. We have a valuable contribution to give to any country we decide to go to.

What do you think about British hooligan fans? When most British hooligan fans go to a match they buy two seats each. One to sit on and the other one to use as a weapon.

Love it or hate it – what do you think about the vuvuzela? At least it’s not reliant on Eskom to power it.

How do you think the World Cup will make South Africa better? A massive cash injection.

Thoughts on Zuma? Most people want to get rid of their wives – go figure.

What do you think about Zuma’s love-child? Zuma…has got an illegitimate child? He fathered it while playing tennis – the umpire said Love All.

What is your opinion of Julius ‘Juju’ Malema? Did you know in woodwork class the teacher asked him “what are you doing?” He said “I’ve made a portable”, the teacher said “a portable what?” he said “I don’t know it’s just a handle.”

After this show, its sounds like things can only keep getting better. What are your plans for post-World Cup 2010, and the future? To live until 2050!

Bafunny Bafunny, South Africa’s comedy team featuring eight of the country’s funniest stand-up comedians, will put on a one-night-only show later this year. The show takes place on 20 May 2010 at the Royal Albert Hall. Tickets are priced from £20 – £50 and can be purchased from the Royal Albert Hall’s Box Office. www.royalalberthall.com